Switch plate



July 28, 1931 s, v, FLAGLER 1,816,803

SWITCH PLATE Filed May 16, 1924 Patented July 28, 1931 srmmv v. anem a,or cmoaeo, rumors,

ASBIGNOB, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, 1'0

enoaen LIIPSOHUTZ, on cnmaeo, rumors swrron rm'rn Application filed May18, 1924. Seriallio. 713,748.

My invention belongs to that general class of devices known as switchplates or the like, and relates more particularly to a non-metallicplate adapted to be used on wall switches and sockets or the likewherever the same may be found applicable. The invention has among itsobjects the production of a plate of the kind described that is simple,durable, attractive, eflicient and satisa factory for use wherever foundapplicable. More particularly the same has as an object the productionof a plate of the kind described that is not only inexpensive but isparticularly ornamental and attractive in 5 appearance, and which willnot corrode or tarnish, and may be easily cleaned and kept in suchmanner that it is always attractive and pleasing to the eye. Many otherobjects and advantages of the construction herein shown and describedwill be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosures hereingiven.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangementand combination of parts herein shown and described, and moreparticularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like orcorresponding parts:

Fig. l is a face view of a plate for a two button switch;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of a plate adapted for a socket covering;

Fig. 3 is a similar view of a switch plate for another type of switch;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1,illustrating a portion of a plate;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 ofFig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 66 ofFig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a portion of a gang plate for switches of thetype used with plate shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a view in elevation of another plate similar to that shown inFig. 1, slightly modified in construction;

and formed.

the holes 3 through which the switch buttons may project. As shown, thesame is preferably pressed with a slight depression or bevel about theopenings 3, as indicated at 4. The same is also provided generally withthe two openings or holes through which the securing screws or bolts forfastening the plate on the switch structure may pass. In the particularillustration shown, I have provided metal eyelets 5 at these holes,which form-a satisfactory seat for the screw or bolt heads. These alsohave another function, to-wit, the securing of the back plate or sheet 6on the plate, which I prefer to use with some kinds of material. Whenthe material employed is more or less inflammable, such as celluloid orthe like, I prefer that the sheet 6 shall be of insulating material suchas fibre or the like. When the eyelets are flanged over at the innerside, they securely retain the insulating sheet in lace.

bviously, by making the plate of material such as that described in themanner set forth, the same may be made any desired color or combinationof colors, giving a very pleasing, attractive and ornamental appearance.This enables the switch plates to be made so as to harmonize with thewoodwork, the wall decorations, or other decorative features in theroom. Material such as this will not corrode or tarnish, and may beeasily wiped off with a damp cloth so that the same are always clean andsanitary. Where the same harmonize's with the wall finish, the platesare not so prominent that they disfigure and where the same are made toharmonize with the trim or other features in the room, a pleasing efiectis secured.

the decorative eflect,

In the type of plate shown in Fig. 2, the same may be similarlyconstructed, except 1n this case I have shown a plate with a largeopening 8 arranged to register with a socket through which an attachmentplug or the equivalent may be inserted. In the construction shown inFig. 3, the plate 9 is provided with an opening 10 with a depression 11about the same, this being adapted for use on the rotary snap switch. InFig. 7, substantially the same construction is shown, except that theplate may be provided with a plurality I of openings 13 or the likesimilar to the openings in Figs. 1, 2 or 3, making the deyice adaptedfor a series of switches or gang switch as they are known. This plan isshown with i the openings 14, and also with the beveled edge, asindicated at 15.

In Fig. 8, I have illustrated a plate simllar to that shown in Fig. 1,except in this case the plate may be molded from suitable nonmetallicmaterial, for example, molded glass, and it may be of the desired sizeand shape and of the desired color or combination of colors. Thisparticular plate 16 is formed with the bevel edge 17 and with the switchbutton openings 18, 19 representing the holes for the screws. Where theplate is molded, I prefer to use a thicker plate, and generally mold thesame with a recess 20 at the back. If desired, although it is notnecessary, the fibre insulator 21 may be positioned in the recess. Inthe case of glass or like material, in order to prevent putting toogreat a pressure on the plate and thereby possibly breaking the same bytightening up the screws too much, I prefer to insert a bushingpreferably of ductile metal with the ends flanged as indicated at 22 and23. Generally I prefer to make the bushing of a size that it does nottightly fit the walls of the openings so that there, is a space asindicated at 24:. When the screws are turned down tightly, the metallicor ductile bushing can expand and conform to the screw and opening. Thiswill prevent strain on the late, with possible fracturing of the plate.Vith the tumbler type switch, as it is known, the single opening is madein the plate through which the knob passes, the same being usuallyrectangular in contour. (Otherwise, it corresponds with any of theplates described.

Obviously, this style of plate will not tarnish or corrode, nor will itstain. It may like: wise be easily wiped off with a damp cloth and keptclean and sanitary. It may be made for a series of switches similar tothe construction shown in Fig. 7. Regardless of the material used, Igenerally prefer opaque or translucent material so that the switchmechanism or the like in back will not be seen, or at least not begenerally noticeable. The device is particularly adapted for use inconnection with fine work such as in fine homes, hotels, clubs, as wellas in hospitals where the sanitary feature is of great importance. Inthe claims where I refer to the same as being of non-metallic material,I Wish to include such material as glass, pyrolin or celluloid, bone, orlike materials, which may be either molded or pressed into shape.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that variousimmaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing fromthe spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood aslimiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement andcombination of parts herein shown and described or uses mentioned. I

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A wall plate comprising a backing of fibrous insulating material anda sheet of plastic pyroxylin material super-imposed upon and united tosaid backing to constitute a facing therefor, said backing and facingbeing provided with apertures counter-sunk below the surface of thefacing.

2. A Wall plate comprising a relatively thin backing of fibrousinsulating material and a sheet of plastic pyroxylin materialsuper-imposed upon and united to said backing to const tute a facingtherefor, said plate formed with indentations pressed therein whereby aportlon of each identation lies in a plane substantially parallel withthe plane of the plate. and an aperture provided in each of sa1dportions.

3. A wall plate comprising a backing of fibrous insulating material anda sheet of plastlc pyroxylin material super-imposed upon said backing toconstitute a facing therefor, means comprising tapered tubular bushingsfor securing the said backing and facing together and adapted to serveas seats for flat-head screws. 1

4. A switch plate comprising a main backing of nonflammable andnon-conducting material, and a thin sheet of celluloid materialconstituting a facing for said backing, said sheet of celluloid materialbeing superimposed upon and united to said backing, thereby providing aswitch plate of pleasing external appearance.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto slgned my name.

SIDNEY V. FLAGLER.

, 5 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. l,8l6,803. Granted July 28, 1931, to

SIDNEY V. FLAGLER.

It is hereby certified that the above numbered patent should have beenissued to George Lipschutz, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, instead of"George Lipschutz, of Chicago, Illinois", as shown by the records ofassignments in this office; and that the said Letters Patent should beread with this correction therein that the same may conform to therecord of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed andsealed this 3rd day of November, A. D. 1931.

, M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

